DANVILLE – The Hazen Union girls’ soccer team lost their first match since their season opener a month ago, falling on the road to Twinfield-Cabot-Danville (CCSU) last week and dropping their record to 6-2-1.
Hazel Abetti’s free kick midway through the first half proved to be the game-winner as Caledonia United ended Hazen’s seven-match unbeaten streak with a 1-0 home win last Thursday. Kelsie Rivard made six stops in the loss for Hazen. Ida Astick and Eliska Siebenbrunner combined for six saves to earn the shutout as CCSU improved to 5-4-1 on the season. Both teams won at home by a one goal margin in the season series, and sophomore midfielder/goalkeeper Kelsie Rivard talked about the budding rivalry between the two local teams.
“I think both teams went into the match knowing how much the game meant. With us beating them 1-0 at home just a couple of weeks ago, and this match being on their home field this time, I think it factored into them playing with a little more energy and wanting the win a little more in the end. Both games were amazing matches to play, and we can’t wait to face them again next season!” said Rivard.
Rivard has been a jack-of-all-trades for first-year head coach Jay Terrien this season, scoring multiple goals as a midfielder, while splitting time in net with junior Ella Renaud to help sure up the Lady Cat defense. She likes the challenge of playing both positions but admits enjoying putting on the goalie kit and the memories it brings her of her brother Tyler, who was a Vermont All-State goalkeeper for Hazen.
“I am willing to do whatever helps the team succeed the most and I love the challenge! Although I love being in the field, I also love playing goal and I’m happy to do it if it helps the team. I have grown up watching my brother play goal his whole career and now that he has moved away, playing the same position makes me feel a little closer to him,” said Rivard.
Despite the loss, Terrien’s club held on to the No. 3 spot in the current Division IV rankings, with Leland & Gray (5-3-1) and Mount St. Joseph Academy (7-3) close behind. Rivendell Academy and West Rutland remain cemented at the top of the division with a combined record of 19-0.
Hazen looked to start a new streak this week with a trip to Paine Mountain on Monday, with Division II Missisquoi Valley Union coming to Hazen Fields on Wednesday. The Lady Cats stay home for a match-up with Richford next Monday and is scheduled to celebrate Senior Night on Tuesday with a home match against Oxbow.